Rundown roads, poor drainage choke C’nawabganj BSCIC

Businesspeople at the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation's (BSCIC) industrial estate in Nayagola, Chapainawabganj, have long been suffering in the absence of a proper drainage system for interior roads.

Nurul Islam, manager of Sazzad Enterprise, said almost all the roads in the BSCIC area are in a dilapidated state and lack a proper drainage system.

The situation is particularly bad during the rainy season as the roads become submerged.

Besides, investors need more land at the estate to expand production at existing factories but as they are unable to get it, the businesses cannot grow in any way, he added.

However, Masud Rana, who owns Sazzad Enterprise, said the overall situation at the industrial estate in Chapainawabganj is comparatively better than those in other districts.

"The BSCIC authorities recently constructed a gate for our security and I think they will be extending the estate soon," Rana added.

There are 22 industrial units currently operating at the estate with some engaged in producing biscuits and bread, flour, recycled cotton and hosiery while others are cold storages and other facilities.

There are 22 industrial units currently operating at the estate with some engaged in producing biscuits and bread, flour, recycled cotton and hosiery while others are cold storages and other facilities

Rostom Ali, manager of the Agro Mahananda Cold Storage, said they are unable to walk freely on the roads despite paying the service charge regularly.

"We suffer a lot during the rainy season as the transport of goods is badly hampered when roads become flooded," he added.

Kazem Ali, owner of Shamim Waste Cotton, said they do not get an uninterrupted electricity supply even though it is essential for the business.

"And I need more land to expand my cotton recycling factory but am unable to get it," he added.    

In addition, transporting raw materials and finished goods inside the industrial estate is getting costlier and more difficult as the condition of the roads is worsening day by day.

Yet, nothing is being done for the factories that generate a good amount of revenue for the government, according to a number of factory owners.

Abdul Wahed, former president of the Chapainawabganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said they have been urging the BSCIC to extend the industrial area for a long time.

If the area is extended, many small and medium entrepreneurs would show interest in setting up factories at the estate as it would provide them safety and security.

"Repairing the roads and drainage system must be done as soon as possible," Wahed added.

Raihan Ali, assistant general manager of the BSCIC office in Chapainawabganj, said they set up the industrial area in 1989 while plots were allocated in 1994 with a view to developing industries and creating jobs in the district.

There are 88 plots on around 10 acres of land at the Chapainawabganj industrial estate that are currently occupied by 22 industrial units.

Ali went on to say that new roads and drainage systems would be constructed in phases.

"The BSCIC is trying to expand its existing estates," he said, adding that they sent a proposal to the higher authority to expand the Chapainawabganj estate by 10 acres.

If given the land, many small industries will be built as more investors will come into the estate area.

"I think we will expand soon after getting approval from the higher authority," he said.

"We are trying to improve the estate gradually, Ali added.